Notre Dame OL Needs to Come Up Big Against Ohio State Regardless of Physical Issues

Indeed Notre Dame’s has been greatly affected by this mainly on the offensive line all season due to injuries just like it will be when they play against Ohio State in the finals. The Irish have yet to settle on their best team with Carra’s side of the line, and they’ll have to make changes to this group again for this particular match.

Sophomore Charles Jagusah, who was expected to be the starting left tackle for the Cougars, was also injured in the fall camp to have him inactive during the regular season. Also, starting center, Ashton Craig, and right guard, Billy Schrauth out during the Purdue game due to injuries. Schrauth did come back after missing four games, but when he did, he immediately moved to left guard.

Notre Dame managed to stabilize its lineup for eight consecutive games, but the Orange Bowl against Penn State highlighted the team’s continued challenges. Freshman Anthonie Knapp, who stepped in for Jagusah, exited the game with an ankle injury, and right guard Rocco Spindler re-injured his ankle. Veteran Tosh Baker replaced Knapp at left tackle, while Jagusah filled in at right guard for Spindler.

Still, in all the above misfires, the Irish offensive line can be applauded for its great effort towards posting a 27-point output and gaining 293 in the last thirty one minutes of the game. In the second half of the game, Notre Dame had 6.2 yards per play and rushed for 101 total yards in that period, proving their heartiness.

Ohio State’s Challenge and Notre Dame’s Response

Ohio State’s defense, one of the best in the nation, won’t offer any leniency. If Notre Dame aims to secure a championship victory, its offensive line must perform at an elite level. However, uncertainty surrounds the starting lineup. With Knapp officially ruled out, questions remain about whether Jagusah will return to left tackle or continue at right guard. Alternatively, Baker might reprise his role at left tackle, where he started in Notre Dame’s dominant Sun Bowl victory over Oregon State.

Rocco Spindler’s status is another pressing concern. His ankle injury hindered his ability to generate power and mobility in the Orange Bowl, and it’s unclear if he’ll be fully recovered in time. If he’s unavailable, options like Sam Pendleton, Sullivan Absher, or Christopher Terek might need to step up at right guard.

Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock face tough decisions in crafting a lineup capable of withstanding Ohio State’s relentless pressure. Beyond lineup choices, the key challenge lies in ensuring cohesive and high-level performance regardless of who takes the field.

Keys to Success: Communication and Execution

Notre Dame’s ability to communicate effectively will be crucial for an offensive line that hasn’t had much time to gel. Ohio State’s defense will aggressively target the line, aiming to stifle the Irish run game and disrupt quarterback Riley Leonard’s rhythm. For Notre Dame, establishing the ground game is non-negotiable. Success in the trenches will open up opportunities for Leonard to exploit Ohio State’s defense through the air.

In the Orange Bowl, the offensive line provided enough protection for Leonard to complete 9 of 12 passes for 160 yards in the second half. Jagusah brought a physical edge to the run game, while Baker improved his pass protection after a rocky first half. Replicating and building on this performance will be vital against the Buckeyes.

The Path to Victory

Notre Dame’s championship hopes hinge on the offensive line’s ability to deliver a standout performance. If they can create running lanes and protect Leonard, the Irish will have a legitimate shot at victory. However, a subpar effort could spell disaster against a defense as formidable as Ohio State’s.

For the Irish, this game is not just about overcoming injuries but also about demonstrating the grit and adaptability that have defined their season. A united and high-performing offensive line will be the foundation for any success they achieve on college football’s biggest stage.